Cities are known for everything from skylines to sports teams—but most importantly, the food. In-N-Out burgers are to L.A. as deep-dish pizza is to Chicago; but in Philadelphia, we have the soft pretzel. The following five salty masterpieces are delicious twists on this Philly specialty.
Butcher Bar
Tear and share the supple Pretzel Monkey Bread at Butcher Bar in Center City. The iron-clad snack starter is accompanied by spicy beer mustard and cheddar cheese sauce that will please everyone who gets a taste. 2034 Chestnut St., 215.563.6328, butcherbarphilly.com
Vedge
The Rutabaga Fondue at Vedge is a vegan dipping sauce that consists of root vegetable and potatoes along with other ingredients that give it the melted, cheesy taste. It is partnered with pickled vegetables that complement the salty, buttery pretzel loaf on the side. Although this plate is meant to share, you’ll want it all to yourself. 1221 Locust St., 215.320.7500, vedgerestaurant.com
Bud & Marilyn’s
Waiters who bring bread to the table without being asked are crowd favorites; however, waiters who bring Warm Buttermilk Pretzel Rolls to the table are legendary. Bud & Marilyn’s shareable starter comes with beer cheese, butter, chives and sea salt. 1234 Locust St., 215.546.2220,budandmarilyns.com
Sandler’s on 9th
Sandler’s on 9th transforms one of the most common guilty pleasure snacks into a delectable meal on the menu. The chefs cover and bake their chicken in crushed Snyder’s Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzels and serve the dish with maple mustard to dip. 834 Chestnut St., 215.634.9800,sandlersrestaurants.com
Miller’s Twist
Miller’s Twist is the pretzel joint for the ultimate Philly favorite—the Cheesesteak Pretzel Roll-Up. Things couldn’t get more cliché than this, but you won’t be sorry for ordering it. Go all out and get one of the 17 milkshake flavors to complement—trust us, you won’t regret it. 12th and Arch St., 215.923.1723, millerstwist.com